Multi-Family Development Task Force Minutes

Taskforce Members Present:  Greg Dorshhorst, David Hutchinson, Robert Jones, Gene Walker, Glen Larson, Kevin Roods, Ron Weis

Staff Present:  Ralph Rognstad, Jr., Ann Razer, Bob Hosmer.

Ann Razer opened the meeting.  There were six task force members present.

Bob Hosmer gave an overview of recent trends in apartment construction in Springfield and in other regional cities.  He continued with an overview of proposed changes to the adopted Multi-Family Guidelines (see Power Point).  Suggested changes came from staff in response to the first year of implementation of the multi-family guidelines and from other sources in the community including the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.

There was a lengthy discussion of the use of bulk plane requirements to replace the Neighborhood Compatibility portion of the guidelines.  The Task Force asked for examples of how bulk lane requirements are used in Springfield and what other cities are using for bulk plane requirements.  The Task Force also asked how bulk plane requirements could be used to protect the sunlight and view of single-family homes.  Ralph Rognstad and David Hutchison drew examples of how bulk plane requirements can be used.  No recommendations were agreed upon.

Task Force members suggested that additional buffers be used between single-family land uses and multi-family land uses.  Staff was requested to bring examples to a future meeting.  The Task Force also requested pictures demonstrating what buffers look like.  No recommendations were agreed upon.

The Task Force also discussed limiting density based on the size of lots.  The members also discussed the need to define what types of buildings (duplex, tri-plex, etc.) should go next to single-family homes.  No recommendations were agreed upon.

There was a discussion about whether or not to meet on September 2 since staff would not have time before the meeting to do the research the Task Force requested.  Staff suggested the Task Force meet on September 2 and discuss some of the other issues, allowing staff to do the requested research and bring it to a later meeting.  The issues of bulk plane, buffers, and neighborhood compatibility will be discussed at that later meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30.

The next meeting of the Multi-Family Development Taskforce will be Tuesday September 2, 2008, 6:00 to 8:00 in the 4th floor conference room in the Busch Municipal Building.

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